Natasha Ivy – Lesbian, She/Her, Zambia
How do you celebrate PRIDE, and what does it mean to embrace the LGBTQI+ community?
Every day I exist as a lesbian woman is how I celebrate pride! My existence is a protest and many other queer folks. We embrace our identities through our struggles, happiness, and love.
For someone who isn’t out yet, what advice would you give them for them to be their authentic self?
Take your time. You are beautiful whether out or not. Not being out does not invalidate your worth in any way. We all bloom differently, and yours is special.
What is an issue the LGBTQI+ community is facing that many people might not know about?
Loneliness – Navigating safe spaces to be who you want to be aside from the social inequalities is hard for us- we deserve love – we deserve to be seen even in our vulnerabilities.
How can allies make an impact this month to support the LGBTQI+ community?
Be present! Speak! Counter harmful dominant narratives of Queer persons.
What is your message to African queer youth this Pride Month?
Keep Queering! They are terrified by you, acknowledge your power and use it for good. Nothing about you is un-African. You are love, beautiful and African
